who can be a sole trader?

This article explores who is allowed to be a sole trader. It does not cover the advantages, disadvantages or implications of being a sole trader. These can be found in other guides on the navigation to the left of this page.

what is the minimum age for a sole trader?

There is no minimum age for sole traders. A sole trader is simply a person representing themselves as a business

Unsurprisingly, there is also no maximum age to begin sole trading

If you are young, say below 18, you will probably find it harder to obtain credit facilities.

I am too young to be a company director, so I'll be a sole trader

can a bankrupt become a sole trader?

If you were sole trading prior to bankruptcy, you may require permission from the courts to continue trading or start a new business and you cannot mask your identity through the concept of "trading as"

If you are a recent bankrupt you may be required to pay a quantity of your income back to your Official Receiver if your business is successful